Jan 12--14

Jan. 12-14

Still trying to make progress on our own internet, but things don’t always run on my idea of a schedule. We took the students to Clifden on Friday for registration with the Gardai (police) to make sure we can stay in the country for more than 90 days. They bought cell phones, worked the internet, bought groceries, and generally had a good time. The internet café will be closing until Feb. as their stove needs to be replaced!!! It is the cooking stove as they also serve as a snack place. Now that broadband has come to Clifden, these cafes are not as profitable as they once were. We also visited the disco for a brief time down the street in Tully – really just the pub playing MTV-type videos, but a place for students to dance. Lessons in step dancing are set for next week – not that they will use those talents at the disco.

On Sat., it was another very rainy day, but good thing we had planned a potluck with the students. So Tom and I did lots of cooking and book work. In fact, about 8 hours of admin stuff. We truly wear many hats (no pun) here. The potluck was fantastic as we all squeezed into the tiny Study Cottage. But it gave the students a chance to pack in some extra food. At the very end of the potluck, the lights flickered several times and then went totally out. Other than dirty dishes every where, a few flashlights were had to get everyone out of the cottage to see the most spectacular sky. We were lucky that there was no moon and very very few clouds. Luckily at least one student had recently just had Chuck Frydrych for astronomy – Chuck would be proud. She led the pointing out of the many constellations. What a great opportunity. And so many of the students saw it as such. After about ½ we checked to make sure everyone had candles, and were delighted to see how many had built themselves a great fire by candlelight. So Tom and I came home and built our first turf fire – we had been using the peat briquettes. It was wonderful. Not sure how long the electricity was out – maybe a couple of hours. But it was perfect.

Sunday – my first flat tire!!! I had taken some students to a shop outside Letterfrack. Just outside town, I hit a pothole – I knew I had hit it hard. But when I pulled into the cottages, I could feel something different and sure enough. Unfortunately, it was leaking fast (probably a broken seal) – where were those strong male students when we needed them. Tom took over (his poor back), and many of the female students were incredibly well informed and helpful on how to change a tire. Tom may need an extra Guinness tonight.

I must admit the days seem to be going so fast. I do miss being in more personal contact, but hopefully next week.